Butchered deer found in restaurant kitchen

A Chinese restaurant in Buffalo, New York has been closed down by health officials after employees were found butchering a dead deer in the kitchen, reports suggest.

An inspector paid a visit to the China King restaurant after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public. It is claimed that, on arrival, he found deer legs placed in the kitchen sink, while the rest of the animal was discovered on the floor. Blood stains leading from the establishment's front door to the kitchen were also said to be spotted.

Health laws in the state prohibit restaurant employees from butchering animals indoors.

Health Commissioner Anthony Billittier confirmed: "The violation was so egregious that it warranted an immediate closure order."

He added: "In New York State, we have laws like you can't butcher a wild deer and sell it because we want to make sure the meat is safe."

Meanwhile, the witness who provided the tip-off is quoted as saying: "I watched [the owner] drag it through the parking lot and he dragged it through the front door of the China King Restaurant. And I said: 'This is just not right'."